Travel discouraged during southeast Idaho snow storm

Update: The Bingham County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to avoid travel if possible. Road conditions in the area are very bad and traveling could be very dangerous.

Original Story: Waking up to quite the mess on this Wednesday morning as our next winter storm plows through. Unlike past storms this one is tracking a bit further south into the Central Rockies but close enough to put down quite the dumping across the Southern Highlands and really everywhere south of a Boise to Ketchum to Idaho Falls line. As of 8:30am this morning, snow totals have already exceeded a foot in areas near Bear Lake and upwards of 5″-8″ of snow in and around Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs, and Marsh Valley. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect across all of Southern Idaho throughout the day and have been expanded to include the Lower Snake River Plain and the Caribou Highlands. Travel is not recommended across these regions until things improve. Several school districts have been canceled for the day due to the snow and dangerous driving conditions.

Expect snow to continue through the afternoon and then begin to push further south as much colder and drier Arctic air spills over the divide. This brings us to our next area of concern the dangerously cold temperatures expected to move in overnight and throughout the rest of the week. Wind Chill Warnings have been issued beginning this evening for all of the Snake River Plain and Upper Snake Highlands due to wind chills to drop between -20 to -40 degrees meaning frostbite can set in within 10-15 minutes on exposed skin. Be sure to limit time outdoors over the next few days and if you must venture outside be sure to cover up all exposed skin including your face. Even with all the sunshine and clear skies for the rest of the week daytime highs will have a hard time getting above 0 to 10 degrees.

Now is the time to start making preparations for the incoming Arctic Blast which could prove deadly if caught unprepared. Make sure you have shelter and a warm heating source that is safe. Make sure pets and livestock are cared for and have warm shelters. Parking your car in a garage or under a carport or tree will protect it somewhat from being totally exposed. Also remember to make sure your car is in good running order for the exceptionally cold temperatures over the next few days.